The secretary for the Department of Environment and Energy after Gordon de Brouwer has quit “to pursue other interests”.

Dr de Brouwer, a 30-year veteran of the public service, will finish in his role on September 8, with a new secretary is expected in due course.

“Dr de Brouwer has had an extensive and distinguished career with three decades of public service in academia and the public sector,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in a statement.

“Dr de Brouwer was a G20 sherpa and supported Australia's Prime Ministers at eight G20 summits. He was awarded a Public Service Medal and made a Knight in the Legion of Honour by the President of the French Republic for both his public and G20 service.

“As Secretary of the Department of the Environment and Energy, Dr de Brouwer oversaw the release of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 year action plan as well as the Reef 2050 Long Term Sustainability Plan which was unanimously welcomed by the World Heritage Committee.

“Also during Dr de Brouwer's time as secretary, Australia signed and ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change.”

Mr Turnbull thanked Dr de Brouwer for his advice, leadership and commitment to the Australian Public Service.

“I wish him all the very best for the future,” Mr Turnbull said.